It's been five months since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, and in those early days, reports

of protests in Russia filtered through to the outside world.

But since then, the Kremlin has cracked down on dissent.

The parliament passed legislation banning the spread of information critical of Russia's

war or Russia's military.

Violations could carry up to 15 years in prison.

Overnight, for most independent journalists, both domestic and foreign, it had simply

become too risky to stay in the country that many called home.

My life's splitting two parts before February 24 and after.

It's better for us to be free and to continue reporting instead of being in jail.

I didn't want to do it.

I like being journalists.

I don't want to leave my job.

And I said, OK, I will step down.

I will move to Paris and I can avoid the propaganda.

But what was Russia like for the few that remained?

You hear someone on the stairs at midnight or the lift creaking in the middle of the night,

do you think?

Is that for me?

And when does it become too dangerous to stay?

You're listening to stories of our times, from the times and the Sunday times.

I'm Manvin Rana, today.

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